The ruling on the first sexual harassment lawsuit in Taiwan was finalized the other day because neither the plaintiff nor the defender appealed. The plaintiff who worked in a travel agency was fired because of her fight against sexual harassment. She sued for NT$500,000 (approximately $16,000) on the basis of "violation of the body's rights." The judge did not think her being fired was related to sexual harassment, and ruled that she shall receive NT$100,000 (approximately US$3,200) as consolation. (1998.5.15, United Daily News) For the sexual harassment case involved a Mr. Lee who works as an interpreter in Taipei's higher court, he was convicted for the criminal charge of public insult. For the civil case, the Taipei district court ruled that Mr. Lee shall pay the victim 200,000 Taiwan dollars (approximately 6,400 US dollars) on the basis of defamation. Women's organizations regard this case as sexual harassment in the workplace. (1998.5.14, China Times) A female employee accused a male supervisor of verbal sexual harassment in the Democratic Progressive Party. The male supervisor has apologized. The Democratic Progressive Party has announced that in the future it will establish a committee to handle similar complaints. (1998.5.14, China Times) The Association of Female Scholars, along with three female Ph.D.'s and professors wearing masks, held a press conference to protest against verbal harassment experienced by women in seeking jobs in the workplace. The Association also calls for the society's respect for women's professional ability. (1998.5.2, China Times)

The Legislative Yuan has passed the amendment of article 30 section 4 of the Labor Standard Law. It prohibited female workers to work on night shifts during their pregnancy or during the period when they are breast-feeding their babies. In 1984 when the Labor Standard Law was implemented, there were already articles in the Law that protected women when they entered motherhood. The regulation was relaxed the year before last year, but this time the legal protection was restored. The Labor Standard Law will be applied to all workplaces by the end of 1998, and these recent amendments will protect all female labor. (1998.5.15 China Times)

In Taiwan, in the age group of 15 to 19, the percentage of those who are young mothers is 17%. It is the highest in East Asia. The Taiwan Institute of Planned Parenthood decided that this year they would focus on the health issues of teenagers.